AAAtraq announces the release of an ADA Audit, looking at Inclusivity of more than 2000 Higher Education websites

Modern society is ever-more dependent on websites. In recent years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased reliance on digital services for universities and other higher education bodies, such as online learning platforms. In this high-profile sector, institutions must start dealing with compliance to the law, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to avoid distracting litigation and to protect their brand.

The ADA was enacted in 1990, with the intention of eliminating disability-based discrimination. Since its passage, billions of dollars have been spent to make public spaces more accessible to individuals with disabilities - you wouldn’t expect to find a building without a wheelchair ramp. The law doesn’t just stop at physical spaces. It extends to digital spaces, and websites must adhere to regulations and accommodate people living with disabilities.

In terms of the ADA’s application to websites, there is generally a false sense of security with many organizations believing that they have matters in hand. However, as this risk audit demonstrates, the percentage found to be vulnerable, and at risk, exceeds 90%. With this false sense of security, it is no wonder litigation is growing exponentially.

Part of the problem is the rapid growth of digital; organizations haven’t recognized that their website is a key asset that should be risk-assessed and managed in the same way as any other important asset. Unless organizations appreciate this potential exposure and start to understand the regulatory and societal importance of not discriminating, opportunistic lawyers will continue to ride what has become a very lucrative 'gravy train'.

Executives need to have reporting that they can immediately understand, and resolutions should not be left entirely with the technical team. An organization-wide, 'holistic' approach, is required, adhering to basic risk management principles.

AAAtraq has analyzed the leading Higher Education website home pages on their compliance with the ADA and has identified their perceived risk position.

Working together with Gallagher www.ajg.com (opens in a new window), a leading insurance broker for the higher education sector, and Wilson Elser www.wilsonelser.com (opens in a new window), a leading national law firm with a wealth of digital and ADA litigation experience, AAAtraq seeks to improve inclusion for the internet user, and protect institutions of higher education from unnecessary litigation.

John McLaughlin, Global Head of Higher Education for Gallagher, said “ADA compliance is a growing and real risk for colleges and universities. Recognizing the need for a pro-active, ongoing process to identify and respond to website compliance issues is an essential first step in protecting your institution from the recent onslaught of ADA claims facing the education sector."

Adam Bialek, co-chair of Wilson Elser’s Intellectual Property & Technology practice, said “ADA website cases are one of the fastest growing segments of litigation, up 57% in the last 4 years. Unless website operators become proactive and address accessibility now, it really is a matter of when you will be sued or receive a demand latter, rather than if.”

The report will be released on February 22, 2022. To register your interest in this report, please contact aryan@AAAtraq.com

The findings of the report will highlight the level of compliance the sector is currently achieving and how exposed organizations are to the risk of litigation.

Lawrence Shaw, CEO of AAAtraq commented “Organizations must start thinking about ADA compliance, not just to avoid the risk of litigation and the costs and disruption associated, but also to ensure their meeting their D&I commitments and not discriminating.”

Ahead of the report being released, take 30 seconds to understand your own risk position – you can do it at AAAtraq.com (opens in a new window) (We don’t ask you to register or promise a report by email – the results are immediately available and understandable. Green = good, red = bad).

Notes to Editor:

About Gallagher www.ajg.com (opens in a new window)

Gallagher is a global business insurance, risk management and consulting services company offering clients and customers innovation and tenacity across 150 countries. We use our 90 years of intelligence and insight to protect what matters most: your business. We form lifelong partnerships with our clients and underwriters which, when combined with our world class data and analytics, helps our customers face their futures with confidence. In every community where we do business, more than 30,000 Gallagher colleagues create and follow a culture based on strong values, collaboration and professional excellence. Over 6 billion USD in revenues Gallagher are a global leader in insurance.

About Wilson Elser www.wilsonelser.com (opens in a new window)

More than 800 attorneys strong, Wilson Elser is a law firm serving clients of all sizes, across multiple industries and around the world. Wilson Elser has 41 strategically located offices in the United States and another in London. This depth and scale has made us one of the nation’s most influential law firms, ranked in the Am Law 200 and top 53 in the National Law Journal 500.

About AAAtraq AAAtraq.com (opens in a new window)

Websites, like buildings must adhere to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Despite efforts, the majority are discriminating – resulting in distracting, expensive litigation.

AAAtraq’s risk intelligence engine continuously references 3.6 trillion data-points, comparing actions against known ADA mitigation strategies - protecting clients from ADA litigation.

Our services focus on removing cost and human limitations, ensuring digital inclusion is accessible to all.